Dear first year me,

You’ve just moved out of home. You’re scared, excited and really don’t know what to expect at the ANU. You think Canberra’s boring, that there’s nothing to do, and you’re asking yourself what you’ve gotten in to.

You couldn’t be more wrong.

This first week in Canberra will definitely be scary, thrilling and everything under the sun. It’s going to be a bit of a bumpy ride adjusting at first, meeting all these new people but trust me – they’re just as nervous as you are. You’re soon to discover your new home, meet new people and start all over. It is daunting, but don’t worry – it’s worth it.

A whole new world awaits you, where there’s a bar where you live (serving $2.50 beers! YES!), and where “Mooseheads” is definitely not what you’re thinking it is. You’re going to be living with over a hundred different people which means there’s always someone to study or get drunk with (at times both). Believe it or not you’re actually even going to start to appreciate living in a smaller city: it’s really not that bad! It means that you’re probably not going to pay entry into a club anymore, nor be stuck in traffic.  And queuing? We’ve never heard of that in Canberra.

All of these small luxuries and countless more are what really makes Canberra and the ANU worth it. So when you do make the trip, try coming in with an open mind.  Don’t fear, but embrace the experience. You’ll make new friends that’ll eventually become like family; a new freedom which you’ve never experienced before; and a new city that might even feel like a new home.

Best of luck, and never forget to have plenty of bevvies along the way!

An older you.